Risk of preterm birth

[Kph908]

Hi all,

Im probably after some advice or mums they have been through a similar situation as I feel like I have been left with no extra guidance or support going forward.

im currently 31+ 6 days pregnant (first time mom) and have been admitted the past couple days after going up triage with increased movement but detected a few contractions on the CTG. They can a cervical check and it’s closed but the swab for preterm birth came back positive with the midwife saying within the next week or so!

I was admitted to the ward where I was given 2 doses of steroids for baby as a precaution. However, after a couple of days a monitoring and some CTGs I was still have these tightenings but sent home. No follow ups or checks were mentioned going forward.

I got home and a scan had popped into my badger notes for a scan - who no one knows why it was requested for a growth scan. But they wouldn’t do measurements as I had one at 30 weeks. They did the placenta checks with PI at 0.88 and RI and 0.68 and my amniotic fluid at 6.7cm (largest pool). My baby is head down also which I know can be normal now but with everything it’s got me worried and said nothing about my cervix!

I just feel like I was sent home just to see what happens with no idea who is actually keeping an eye on anything. No sure if I’m still under a midwife or consultant! They just said as it’s first baby they could come in a week or 6 weeks they just don’t know…

sorry it’s long one but it’s just so much information!!

That sounds really stressful to not know exactly what to expect with your care 😣 especially as a first time mum with all this.

I would personally be calling midwife and/or hospital until you get definitive advice. Be firm. Don’t take wishy washy answers. Say you’re confused about the next steps and what to do. In my experience they can somethings be a bit lax with first time mothers and leave them in the dark with things which just isn’t fair.

Wishing you all the best.

It's a very tricky time for you.

There are various things at play.

The fetal fibronectin swab (which you've had) is notoriously unhelpful. The fact that you've tested positive, doesn't guarantee that you will have a baby soon for definite. It's helpful to give an indication of things like having the steroids just in case, but it's a very blunt tool!

The steroids are a good thing to have done - if you have a look at the 'periprem bundle', you'll see what interventions they will provide at various gestations. The really good news for you is that 32+0 is a turning point for a lot of these and you're so nearly there!

Growth scans are useful because sometimes they can pick up on reasons for preterm birth that might depend on whether they leave you for longer or deliver now.

Basically - it's a waiting game. Things that can be helpful in the waiting are visiting your neonatal unit (or they might have an online tour, if you google it), to get an idea of what it will be like as if you have your baby before 34 weeks you're guaranteed a stay there. Pack your hospital bag for you and make sure you've got stuff for a lengthy stay as you might be in and out for a bit. Have a look at hand expressing colostrum (but do NOT do this until you've given birth!) as early breastmilk is a really important part of preterm success for baby - even if you have no intention of breastfeeding long term, getting some colostrum into baby is going to be really important. Don't worry at all about things like small clothes, nappies etc - if baby comes early then nicu will sort you out.

And finally - outcomes for preterm babies are really very good now. My daughter was born at 32+0 and you would never ever know now (except for my overwhelming pride for her!). If they do come early, it will be shit for a bit, but then it really will most likely be okay. X

Oh and it will feel wishy washy because it is - they won't deliver this early unless they absolutely need to as baby is in the best place inside you, so unless baby makes a concerted effort to escape it will be a case of watching and waiting. Which is really crap but not an indication that theyre not taking care of you - it really is just a waiting game.